Broussard on trial

"Do not run, do not holler..." These were the words told to a victim after the business she worked in had been robbed at gun point on May 6, 2011.

BY Dee Tubbsdtubbs@bastropenterprise.com

Tuesday afternoon, Morehouse Parish Assistant District Attorney Steven Sylvester opened the trial of Jeffery Broussard, the man who allegedly spoke those words to two victims after taking all the money from the business' safe and cash drawer and demanding the jewelry off the hand of one of the employees. Sylvester presented the case against Broussard on four counts of armed robbery and four counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery to the jury. He then asked that the jurors listen to the testimony of the witnesses as he proved Broussard, who is claiming not guilty by reason of insanity, guilty.

"The defendant walked into the AT&T Store armed with a pistol and told employees to give him all the money in the store or he would kill them," Sylvester said. "He then left and got into a car driven by Henry Bates and left.

"Three days later, Jeffrey Broussard entered the Advanced America store and again demanded, at gun point, all of the cash in the business," Sylvester continued. "Employees at both businesses saw Broussard and picked him out of photo lineups."

Detectives with the Bastrop Police Department were able to retrieve video showing Broussard entering and exiting the businesses and leaving in a car that was later tied to Bates. A Crimestopper's tip led the detectives to a home on Carbon Plant Road where the defendant was living. As they approached the residence, Broussard ran out the back of the home but was captured by Det. Eric Newnum and Sheriff's Office Inv. Brian Rainbolt.

After Broussard was placed in jail on the charges, he contacted a deputy, stating that he wanted to talk. Newnum met with Broussard, and after being read his rights, Broussard confessed to the robberies.

Broussard's attorney Carl Cooper, also addressed the jury and asked them to not make any decisions until all of the evidence had been shown.

"I ask that you don't make up your mind until the last facts are in," Cooper said. "You may not believe he is not guilty, but you may believe he is insane."

The trial, presided over by Fourth District Judge Scoot Leehy, will continue today.